Boosting Cleveland's Economy Through Sports

Date and Time

Location

The Union Club

David Gilbert, President and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission to Speak 16 Oct to Wharton Club of NEO

TIME: 11:45 am registration / 12:00 noon luncheon / 1:00 pm adjourn

LOCATION: The Union Club (1211 Euclid Ave., parking available in garage off E. 12th Street)

COST: $30 members / $40 guests

David E. Gilbert is President and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, whose goal is to make Greater Cleveland the nation’s foremost destination for amateur sporting events and activities. The organization is responsible for attracting, promoting and managing major amateur athletic events and to create sporting opportunities for youth and amateur athletes. Since its re-founding in late 1999, the Sports Commission has already had significant success by securing more than 70 events for Cleveland including the NCAA Women’s Final Four, NBC Gravity Games, U.S. Figure Skating Championships, U.S. Gymnastics Championships, International Children’s Games, McDonald’s All-American High School Basketball Game, and U.S. Olympic Trials Box-Offs. These events represent an economic impact of more than $200 million for Cleveland’s economy. Prior to this position, David served as Director of Community Affairs and Special Projects for the Convention and Visitors Bureau of Greater Cleveland where he was responsible for advancing Cleveland’s travel and tourism service standards and related developments. Highlights of his tenure there include funding and development of two new, full-service visitor information centers and spearheading the funding, creation and operations of the Spirit of Hospitality Career Training Program, an innovative, new welfare-to-work initiative that received national recognition and acclaim. David serves on the board of the International Children’s Games, based in Lausanne, Switzerland and several local boards and committees. He is also a graduate of the Jewish Community Federation’s Mandel Leadership Program, a member of the Leadership Cleveland Class of 2001, has been named one of Cleveland’s 40 under 40 by Crain’s Cleveland Business, honored with the 2004 Pillar Award as the Non-Profit Executive of the Year and the 2006 Anthem Impact Award.

ABOUT THE PROGRAMHosting of major sporting events brings more than just excitement to our community, but significant economic impact and favorable publicity. Learn how the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission has transformed Cleveland into a national capital for the hosting of major regional, national and international sporting events.

Reservation Policy – All attendees are encouraged to register in advance and walk-in reservations will be accepted on a space-available basis only. Meeting cost is $30.00 for members when paid in advance before noon 10/15/08. Meeting cost is $40.00 for members at the door and $40.00 for guests. If you reserve and are unable to attend, please call the office to cancel by noon 10/15/08 to avoid a no-show reservation billing.